Not many companies deliver like Exceed RC, and with the Maxstone they’re bound to do just that. Why go through the trouble of building a competition-ready rock crawler over several months, when you can have a champ ready to hit the rocks fresh out the factory? Exceed has built the Max Stone from the ground up, and equipped it with everything a great rock crawler needs. Four-link suspension and axels help this monster of an RC overcome any obstacle you put in its path! Keep reading our Exceed MaxStone 10 review to see what this truck is all about.

But first, take a look at this video for a sneak peek.

Exceed MaxStone 10 Review

Exceed RC is known to exceed expectations. Their work with the Maxstone rock crawler is no exception. Long gone are the days when you had to go through the frustrating process of piecing together an RC to crush the competition. Exceed will ship you a champion rock crawler fully assembled out the box.

Been considering getting into the hobby? Well, maybe you just need that extra push to have you convinced it’s right for you. Read this review with caution, cause we just might make you a believer!

We’ll be discussing the pros and cons of Exceed RC’s Maxstone, but let’s get started with the specs and features.

Specs and Features

Thanks to multi-link suspension, this RC will give you a smooth experience no matter what terrain you’re taking on. The 540 motor specializes in crawling over obstacles as opposed to speed, so it goes without saying, this RC doesn’t go very fast.

A Close look at the Chassis

This unit uses a brushed 540 motor. Also, a center transmission distributes power through the axels. The axels basically collapse and extend, a process that ultimately helps the suspension to flex. At the top, you’ll find nothing strange: the receiver and ESC. Let’s not leave out the oil threaded shocks.

The Transmitter

The transmitter does exactly what you expect it to do. It runs on four AA batteries, offers throttle and steering trims, and on the back, you’ll notice a plug in for a charger. The on and off switch is neatly located under the cover. The only issue is that it’s bit hard to reach the wheel with your thumb. It could’ve been more conveniently placed on the transmitter.

Batteries and Running Time

The stock battery charger will take up to 8 hours before its ready for action. I’d suggest you buy a fast charger. Eight hours is a lot of time to spend not rock crawling. What’s more, you can upgrade batteries to get longer running time. The standard running time will be anywhere between 20 – 30 minutes. Honestly, I think it’s best you just throw that battery charger out and keep it moving. That’s a bummer to some extent, but you’re still getting a great truck at a more than great asking price.

Multi-link Suspension

The Maxstone is guaranteed to offer great stability when climbing. This is due to its multi-link suspension, and lightweight chassis. The chassis is aluminum with a twin vertical design. This helps the Maxstone to push away from rocks when you put it to work.

If you do decide to buy this unit, you may want to take the time to disassemble the axles and give them a nice grease down. Some users notice that they make a lot of noise — this is due to the gear box being dry.

Great Protection

No rocks are going to threaten the teeth on your gears, however, as the drive shafts are sealed, and the gears are well protected. In case you like getting rowdy on the rocks, you don’t have to be too cautious. The Maxstone is equipped with front and rear bumpers, their purpose is to protect the drive train differentials. This helps a bunch when you’re in the middle of crawling, so the chance of rocks getting into your gears are little to none.

Customize Control

Equipped with full ball bearings, Exceed’s Maxstone promises less friction, greater power, and extended run times. This crawler is great for suspension adjustments; you can mount your shocks in numerous positions. Customize, and explore handling options to make this bad boy suit your driving style perfectly.

Adjust the body towers to have the Maxstone sit higher or lower, whatever works for you. This model boasts sticky tires and b-lock wheels fixed by set screws, so you don’t need to glue the tires on.

Suspension Flex

Another thing you’ll want to know about is the exceptional suspension flex the Maxstone is capable of. On three wheels, this bad boy can accomplish over seven inches of suspension flex when mowing over larger obstacles. It’s actually pretty impressive.

How about we take a look at the specs in point form?

Maxstone Specifications

Wheelbase – 7.87 inches

Wheel Width – 2.2 inches

Wheel Diameter – 4.9 inches

Steering Angle – 40 – 50 degree

Torque Angle (Maximum) – 90 degree

Weight – 4.63 pounds

7.2V 1800mAh Ni-MH battery

Here’s what you get in the box

Fully assembled model

7.2V 1800mAh Ni-MH battery (rechargeable)

Wall Charger

Instruction manual

2.4Ghz pistol grip transmitter

RC540 motor

Items that come separately

AA batteries

Let’s have a look at its standout features:

Maxstone Best Features:

This unit is four-wheel drive, meaning great grip for wheels when going over surfaces

Axle mount offers protection for front and rear shaft

Full ball bearing (less friction when hitting surfaces, more power for higher performance, extended run time)

Amazing suspension flex for overcoming obstacles

Good articulation

And you get all of this at a great price!

While the Maxstone is an impressive machine, naturally it isn’t perfect. Let’s not beat around the bush, and take a look at some of the cons.

Negatives

This RC crawler isn’t much to write home about as it relates to speed. But we’ve been over this. You’re looking for a rock crawling RC, not the remote controlled car version of Usain Bolt. This bad boy won’t win you any races, but he’ll knock just about anything out his way.

Conclusion

Overall the Maxstone is a great machine, even for those just getting into the hobby. It comes fully assembled. All you have to do is grab you some AA batteries, and you’re ready to go. Sure it isn’t the fastest RC out there, but what you need is a rock slammer that’ll climb anything you put in front of it. With full bearing and great suspension, the Maxstone is guaranteed to give you hours of rock crawling action.

From the second I picked up my first remote control car as a little kid who could barely walk, to 30 years later, I have always enjoyed the thrill and entertainment of RC vehicles. I created RC Roundup to help you (Whether you are a beginner, novice, or advanced RC’r) find the perfect remote controlled vehicle and/or parts. Ready to go?